Headlice: Nits On The Run
The problem with traditional chemical remedies are that they are creating more and more resistant strains of head lice. Scientific researchers estimate that up to 90 percent of lice infestations do not respond at all to chemical treatments for that very reason. However, the good news is that there are many natural treatments to choose from that are both successful and completely safe for you and your loved ones.
Tea tree oil is an effective treatment for headlice. Tea trees, which are native to Australia, produce a fragrant oil that has anti-fungal and anti-vermicidal properties. You can find tea tree oil at your local health food store. Tea tree oil can be found as a special shampoo, conditioner, or hair oil.
Mayonnaise is fast becoming another alternative treatment for headlice. Mayonnaise, and other heavy oil-based substances are used to smother lice. This treatment involves the application of a large amount of mayonnaise to the scalp; which is then covered with a shower cap and allowed to sit overnight. In the morning, the dead lice and nits can be combed out and removed. Until all lice have been removed, this treatment may need to be repeated until desired results have been achieved.
It should also be mentioned that shaving a child's head can be a good option for safe and effective lice removal. Very short hair does not provide enough space for lice to cling to. In addition, lice and nits are easier to comb when the hair is short. You should, of course, make sure that the child doesn't mind getting a short haircut.
As a last resort, many parents use a time-intensive, yet chemical-free, technique which involves simply combing the lice and nits from the child's head twice daily, for a period of up to two weeks. While certain success is guaranteed, this is the most time-consuming treatment method, and is usually the least preferred.
Using chemical treatments for the removal of headlice is not only potentially dangerous for your family, but also often ineffective. As if that weren't bad enough, chemical treatments tend to create more resistant lice populations. Herbal and manual home remedies for head lice are safe and effective. Of course, you should always check with your doctor before undergoing any herbal treatment.
Headlice are a common problem but lice removal has become problematic because lice are becoming resistant to many chemical treatments conventionally prescribed. Fortunately, you can try several effective home remedies for head lice. Tea tree oil comes in several special treatments and shampoos and is effective, and so is simple mayonnaise, slathered on the head overnight covered in a shower cap, and combed out in the morning. Very short haircuts may also help but not all children accept these. A no product method is just using a lice comb and manually removing lice and nits for about two weeks. Always check with your doctor about alternative treatments.
Published October 10th, 2007
